Music Theory I

Class Information
• Class Time: Period 1
• Location: H 123 (The Choir Room)
• Book Used: Elementary Harmony by Robert Ottman
• Teacher: The Big Mac Daddy Bruce (Just call me Mr. Bruce)
o Email: greg.bruce@clark.kyschools.us
o Email: grbr104@hotmail.com

General Information
• The main goal of the class is to master elementary elements of music and give you the
skills you need to succeed in AP Music Theory and to become better musicians no matter
what you sing or play. In this class you will learn how to do a number of things
 Read Music
 Sight read
 Identify key signatures
 Identify meters (both visual and aurally)
 Identify and dictate rhythms
 Identify and dictate chords and chord progressions
 Create rhythmic passages
 Create melodic passages
 Create choral harmonies to a simple melody
 Analyze the qualities of various chords
• DO NOT LET THIS SCARE YOU!!! We will discuss strategies to memorize and use all of
this information, have no fear.

Grading Policy
• The grading policy in this class will be as follows
o 45% - Homework and Daily Assignments
o 35% - Tests and Quizzes
o 10% - One project due near the end of the year
o 10% - The Final Exam
• Grades will be broken down in accordance with GRC grading policy
o A = 100-90
o B = 89 - 80
o C = 79 – 70
o D = 69 – 60
o F = Less than 59
• I have a policy that any decimal point beyond the whole number is rounded up
o Example: 89.00000000000001 equals out to be a 90%
Homework
• Homework will be assigned three to four times a week. I will attempt not to assign
anything for the weekends with the exception of the project and possibly studying for
tests. Other than that homework will be manageable in this class.
• Homework is due the next day unless noted by me. Late work will be accepted at a cost
of a 10% penalty for every day late. Anything turned in after the period is considered
one day late. After three days, the assignment is no longer eligible for any points and a 0
(ZERO) is recorded.

Tests
• Test will be administered at the end of every unit
• Test are worth a set number of points not just 100%
• These exams will range from multiple choice to aural dictation and analysis
• Study guides will be furnished two days prior to any exam given
• Make-Up Exams: All exams are to be made up before school or at the end of the school
day unless prior arrangements are made. If we set up a time and you do not show up
without prior notification, the exam is recorded as a 0 (ZERO) with no possibility of
making the exam up again. If I forget to show up or show up extremely late (baring
weather, illness and prior notification) the test is forgiven and you receive a 100% on the
exam. If I am not going to make it, I will notify you and we will reschedule.

Project
• The project will be at the end of the year and we will discuss it when the time comes in
the spring.
•

Final
• Final will be comprehensive and will consist of any number of questions. This will be
explained later when the time comes

Item you will need for this class

• PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE!!! USE PENCIL IN THIS CLASS!!!!
• Binder (one of the one inch, $2.00 cheapos from Wal-Mart will do)
• Paper (Notebook or loose leaf, don’t care)
• Staff Paper (Generally, if this is needed, I will provide it)
• Internet Access
• Email
Classroom Conduct and Expectations
• BIG SHOCK COMING UP….YOU ARE IN HIGH SCHOOL NOW!!! You are moving on in life
and need to act your age in this class. We will have fun in this class, but I do ask that
you remember a few things
 Come in with a decent attitude. No one likes a grouch!
 Be Positive! Goes hand in hand with the first one
 Be on time!
 Be respectful to me, other classmates, and the room and the equipment.
 Turn your work in on time
 DO YOUR BEST!!! I would expect nothing less!

Side note: Just because it is not covered in this syllabus does not excuse you from the student
handbook. All GRC expectations and regulations will be followed throughout the year

Personal Note
• I am really looking forward to meeting every one of you and getting to know you
throughout the year. Remember, we are all on the same team. It is not my goal to see
you fail. I want you to succeed and learn some things that will spark an interest in music
or help you in a future career in music. If you need anything at all, I have an open door
policy and you are always welcome with questions or concerns regarding this class. I
expect you to do your best and we will have a blast traveling through the world of music
theory!!
Good Luck and Do Your Best!!

Mr. B